For more information, please visit our Web page:
http://www.azdeq.gov/ensemble.pdf
For transportation alternatives:
http://www.valleymetro.org
Health message for Thursday, May 20: Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
Health message for Friday, May 21: Unusually sensitive people should consider limiting prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
Synopsis and Discussion
*AN OZONE HEALTH WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2010*
The atmosphere is perfect for ground-level ozone formation this afternoon in the Phoenix forecast area. Light winds and afternoon desert temperatures around 100°F under sunny skies towards the end of the workweek are conditions that favor ozone levels threatening the health standard. We currently have an Ozone Health Watch in place for the forecast area this afternoon. Locations in the central, north and east part of the Valley are expected to see the highest levels. Sensitive people should take it easy outdoors this afternoon.
A developing trough of low pressure off the coast of California will push through the region this weekend. We can expect breezy afternoons Friday through Sunday. In fact, a steady southerly and southeasterly flow on Friday will be just enough to keep the invisible ozone plume and precursors moving towards the north and northeast that concentrations should be slightly lower. Stronger winds on Saturday should continue that downward trend in ozone levels. However, because the system is a dry one for Arizona, pockets of blowing dust are possible on Saturday and Sunday as gust could exceed 20 mph at times. Fire Weather Watches and Red Flag Warnings are likely through the weekend for much of Arizona, especially the northern part, meaning the risk of wildfires will be extremely high.
Much cooler temperatures are forecast for the start of the workweek with highs in the low to mid 80s!
Check back tomorrow for more. Until then, have a good day! -J.Paul
If you have any questions or comments regarding this forecast please contact:
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Office of Communications
1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 771-2215
ms15@azdeq.gov
**********************************************************************
NOTICE: This e-mail (and any attachments) may contain PRIVILEGED OR CONFIDENTIAL information and is intended only for the use of the specific individual(s) to whom it is addressed. It may contain information that is privileged and confidential under state and federal law. This information may be used or disclosed only in accordance with law, and you may be subject to penalties under law for improper use or further disclosure of the information in this e-mail and its attachments. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the person named above by reply e-mail, and then delete the original e-mail. Thank you.